At night, an oncoming car is within 500 feet. Which lighting choice is appropriate?
Correct answer: Use low beams to avoid dazzling the oncoming driver
Texas requires the low beam or a properly nonglaring distribution when approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §547.333(c) ↗
You are approaching another car from behind at night and are within 300 feet. What must you avoid?
Correct answer: Using your uppermost high-beam setting
Within 300 feet behind another vehicle, Texas prohibits selecting the uppermost distribution of light. Low beams help avoid glare in the other driver’s mirrors.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §547.333(c) ↗
A school bus stops ahead on your two-way, undivided road with flashing red lights. You are approaching from the opposite direction. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop for the bus
On an undivided road, drivers approaching from either direction must stop for the bus’s flashing red lights or stop sign.
Source: TxDOT — Tips for drivers sharing the road with school buses ↗
A stopped school bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway, separated from you by a physical median. What does the bus-stop rule require of your direction?
Correct answer: It does not require you to stop for that opposite-roadway bus
The opposite-roadway exception applies on a divided highway. Continue attentively; children and other hazards still require caution.
Source: TxDOT — Tips for drivers sharing the road with school buses ↗
You have stopped for a school bus. Which event can permit you to continue, while still checking for children?
Correct answer: The bus driver signals that you may pass
TxDOT lists the bus moving, its flashing lights stopping, or the bus driver signaling permission as release conditions. A driver behind you cannot release the bus stop.
Source: TxDOT — Tips for drivers sharing the road with school buses ↗
Why should you leave ample following space behind a school bus?
Correct answer: It makes frequent stops and children may cross nearby
Expect frequent stops and children who may not check carefully before entering the road. Space and attention help you respond.
Source: TxDOT — Tips for drivers sharing the road with school buses ↗
In good conditions, what following-gap method does TxDOT’s Road Tips recommend as a starting point?
Correct answer: Count at least three seconds after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point
The TxDOT guide recommends at least three seconds, with a larger gap in bad weather. This is safety guidance, not permission to follow too closely whenever three seconds seems available.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Highway Driving, printed pages 10–11 (PDF page 8) ↗
Rain starts while you are following another vehicle. How should you adjust your gap?
Correct answer: Increase the following distance
Wet conditions and reduced visibility call for more stopping space. The normal good-weather gap is not a maximum.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Highway Driving, printed pages 10–11 (PDF page 8) ↗
A highway is posted at 75 mph, but dense fog limits your view. Which is the safer choice?
Correct answer: Reduce speed to suit the conditions, even well below the posted limit
A posted maximum is not a target for every condition. TxDOT advises adjusting for fog, rain, ice, traffic and road work.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Highway Driving, printed pages 10–11 (PDF page 8) ↗
You finish passing on a divided highway marked “Left Lane for Passing Only.” What should you do next?
Correct answer: Return to the right lane once safely clear
The posted left lane is for passing rather than continuous travel. Return right after safely completing the pass.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Highway Driving, printed pages 10–11 (PDF page 8) ↗
You are following a truck and cannot see its driver in the side mirror. What should you assume?
Correct answer: The truck driver may not be able to see you
A truck’s blind spots are large. If you cannot see its driver in the mirror, avoid assuming the driver knows you are there.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Highway Driving, printed pages 10–11 (PDF page 8) ↗
You have passed a large truck. What visual check helps you decide when to return in front of it?
Correct answer: See both truck headlights in your rearview mirror and leave a safe gap
TxDOT recommends waiting until both headlights are visible in your mirror. Do not cut closely in front or force a heavy truck to brake.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Highway Driving, printed pages 10–11 (PDF page 8) ↗
Why is it especially dangerous to cut closely in front of a moving truck and then brake?
Correct answer: The heavy truck may not have enough distance to stop
Heavy vehicles need substantial stopping room. Leave space instead of assuming the truck can stop like a passenger car.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Highway Driving, printed pages 10–11 (PDF page 8) ↗
An oncoming motorcycle looks far away as you prepare to turn left. What is the safest approach?
Correct answer: Look again and wait if its distance or speed makes the turn uncertain
Motorcycles can be harder to judge and may be closer than they appear. Recheck before turning across a rider’s path.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Motorcycles and Bicycles, printed pages 12–13 (PDF page 9) ↗
When passing a motorcycle, how much lane space should you give the rider?
Correct answer: A full lane
TxDOT advises giving a motorcyclist a full lane when passing. A narrow vehicle still needs maneuvering space.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Motorcycles and Bicycles, printed pages 12–13 (PDF page 9) ↗
Before changing lanes near a motorcycle, what should supplement your signal?
Correct answer: A check of the blind spot as well as the mirrors
Signal and check the blind spot. A motorcycle may be hidden from a mirror-only check.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Motorcycles and Bicycles, printed pages 12–13 (PDF page 9) ↗
A cyclist is using the road in front of you. Which statement should guide your response?
Correct answer: Cyclists have road rights and responsibilities too
Bicyclists share road rights and responsibilities with drivers. Respect their space and do not force them out of your path.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Motorcycles and Bicycles, printed pages 12–13 (PDF page 9) ↗
Another driver becomes angry and makes threatening gestures. What is the safest response?
Correct answer: Avoid engaging and give the driver space
Do not escalate a confrontation. TxDOT recommends avoiding eye contact and gestures and giving angry drivers room.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Aggressive Driving, pages 2–3; Distracted Driving, pages 6–7 ↗
An aggressive driver continues threatening you and you fear for your safety. What should you do?
Correct answer: Reach a safe location and call 911
Prioritize separation and safety. If the threat persists, get to a safe place and seek emergency help instead of confronting the driver.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Aggressive Driving, pages 2–3; Distracted Driving, pages 6–7 ↗
Your route needs changing while you are driving. What is the safest way to reprogram navigation?
Correct answer: Park safely before making the adjustment
Programming navigation can take attention away from driving. Make the change while safely parked rather than multitasking in traffic.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Aggressive Driving, pages 2–3; Distracted Driving, pages 6–7 ↗
A non-emergency text arrives while your car is moving. What should you do?
Correct answer: Leave it unread until you are safely parked
Reading, writing or sending an electronic message while driving is prohibited, subject to statutory exceptions. The safer practical choice is to wait until parked.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Aggressive Driving, pages 2–3; Distracted Driving, pages 6–7 ↗
Which activity can distract a driver even without a phone?
Correct answer: Eating or adjusting the radio
Distraction includes eating, grooming and adjusting controls as well as phone use. Prepare before driving and keep attention on the road.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Aggressive Driving, pages 2–3; Distracted Driving, pages 6–7 ↗
You keep yawning, lose focus and drift within your lane on a long trip. What do these signs suggest?
Correct answer: Drowsiness that calls for a safe stop and rest
Those are warning signs of drowsy driving. Stop somewhere safe and rest rather than trying to push through them.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Violations and Cautions, printed pages 20–21 (PDF page 13) ↗
Water covers a low crossing and you cannot tell its depth. What should you do?
Correct answer: Choose another route instead of entering the water
Avoid flooded crossings. You cannot reliably judge depth, current or road damage from inside the car.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Violations and Cautions, printed pages 20–21 (PDF page 13) ↗
A barrier blocks a flooded roadway, but another vehicle drives around it. What should you do?
Correct answer: Obey the barrier and turn around safely
Never drive around a flood barrier. Another driver’s action and four-wheel drive do not make the crossing safe or lawful.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Violations and Cautions, printed pages 20–21 (PDF page 13) ↗
Railroad gates are lowered, but you cannot see a train yet. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stay stopped; do not drive around the gates
Lowered gates close the crossing. The absence of a visible train is not permission to bypass them.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Violations and Cautions, printed pages 20–21 (PDF page 13) ↗
A train has passed at a crossing with several tracks. What should you check before proceeding after the warning ends?
Correct answer: That every track is clear and no second train is approaching
A second train can approach on another track. Check all tracks and obey remaining warning signals.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Violations and Cautions, printed pages 20–21 (PDF page 13) ↗
Traffic beyond a railroad crossing has stopped and there is not enough room for your whole car beyond the tracks. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait before the tracks until there is room to clear them completely
Never stop on the tracks. Do not enter a crossing unless there is space to clear it completely.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Violations and Cautions, printed pages 20–21 (PDF page 13) ↗
Dense fog makes your high beams reflect back toward you. What lighting is the better choice?
Correct answer: Low-beam headlights, with fog lights if equipped
Low beams reduce the glare produced by light reflecting from fog. Headlights also help other road users see your vehicle.
Source: National Weather Service — Driving in Fog ↗
A 6-year-old passenger is 4 feet 4 inches tall. What restraint is required for ordinary travel in Texas?
Correct answer: An appropriate child safety seat or booster
A child younger than eight must use an appropriate child restraint unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches. This child does not meet that height exception.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Safety Seats and Seat Belts, printed pages 16–17 (PDF page 11) ↗
Where should the lap portion of a seat belt fit?
Correct answer: Snugly across the hips, low on the body
A lap belt should sit snugly across the hips, not the soft abdomen. Proper belt placement matters as well as fastening it.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Safety Seats and Seat Belts, printed pages 16–17 (PDF page 11) ↗
The shoulder belt feels uncomfortable. Which adjustment is unsafe?
Correct answer: Putting it under your arm or behind your back
Do not route the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. That defeats its intended restraint function.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Safety Seats and Seat Belts, printed pages 16–17 (PDF page 11) ↗
An adult rides in the back seat of a passenger car equipped with seat belts. What should the passenger do?
Correct answer: Wear the seat belt properly
The rear seat is not a general exemption from restraint use. TxDOT instructs adults and children to be properly restrained in every seat.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Safety Seats and Seat Belts, printed pages 16–17 (PDF page 11) ↗
A road crew flagger directs you to wait while equipment crosses. What should you do?
Correct answer: Obey the flagger and wait
Obey road crew flaggers and current work-zone controls. Normal road habits may not match a temporary work-zone arrangement.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Work Zones and Road Signs, printed pages 22–23 (PDF page 14) ↗
Traffic slows suddenly in a work zone. Which habit best reduces the risk of a rear-end crash?
Correct answer: Leave following space and keep your attention on traffic ahead
Rear-end collisions are a common work-zone danger. Space, attention and speed appropriate to the posted work-zone conditions help you respond.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Work Zones and Road Signs, printed pages 22–23 (PDF page 14) ↗
Orange warning signs appear along your route. What should you expect?
Correct answer: Road work or temporary work-zone conditions
Orange signs identify work-zone conditions. Watch for changed lanes, workers, equipment and temporary speed controls.
Source: TxDOT Texas Road Tips 2024 — Work Zones and Road Signs, printed pages 22–23 (PDF page 14) ↗
No different limit has been lawfully established on an urban-district street that is not an alley. In safe conditions, what is the Texas default?
Correct answer: 30 mph
The default urban-district street limit is 30 mph, other than an alley. Posted or otherwise lawfully altered limits and conditions requiring a lower speed still control.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.352(b)(1) ↗
An urban alley has no different lawfully established limit. What is its Texas default speed limit?
Correct answer: 15 mph
The statutory default for an alley is 15 mph. That is not a required driving speed: pedestrians, visibility or other hazards may require going slower.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §§545.351, 545.352(b)(1) ↗
In ordinary safe conditions, with no altered limit, what is the default for a passenger car on a state-numbered highway outside an urban district?
Correct answer: 70 mph
The default is 70 mph on a Texas- or U.S.-numbered highway outside an urban district, including farm-to-market and ranch-to-market roads. Follow any altered limit and slow for hazards.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.352(b)(2) ↗
A passenger car is on a highway outside an urban district that is not numbered by Texas or the United States. With no altered limit, what default applies?
Correct answer: 60 mph
The statutory default for this unnumbered highway is 60 mph. This differs from the numbered-highway default; a lawfully altered limit or unsafe conditions can change what speed is appropriate.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.352(b)(3) ↗
You are driving where vehicle use is permitted on a Texas beach. No different limit has been established. What default speed applies?
Correct answer: 15 mph
The default speed limit on a beach is 15 mph. Pedestrians, soft surfaces and visibility can require a lower speed, and access restrictions still apply.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.352(b)(5) ↗
You approach a sharp curve at the posted straight-road speed. What is required if that speed would be unsafe around the bend?
Correct answer: Reduce speed appropriately for the curve
Texas requires an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and going around a curve. A posted limit does not override the duty to drive reasonably for the conditions.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.351(c)(2) ↗
The crest of a hill hides the roadway ahead. What should guide your speed as you approach it?
Correct answer: An appropriate reduction for the limited view and hazards
Approaching a hill crest is specifically listed among situations requiring an appropriate reduced speed. Limited visibility reduces the time available to respond.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.351(c)(3) ↗
You leave a broad straight road and enter a narrow winding section. What is the correct speed decision?
Correct answer: Reduce appropriately for the narrower, winding roadway
The basic speed requirement includes an appropriate reduction on narrow or winding roadways. Changes in road conditions matter even before a new sign appears.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.351(c)(4) ↗
The car ahead brakes suddenly. What should your following gap already allow for under Texas law?
Correct answer: A safe stop without hitting it or veering into others
The required assured clear distance depends on speed, traffic and highway conditions. It must allow safe stopping without a collision or swerving into another road user or object.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.062(a) ↗
You have heard that some Texas roads permit 85 mph. What does that mean for an ordinary road posted at 65 mph?
Correct answer: The 65 mph limit still applies to that road
Higher limits are established for particular road sections; they are not a statewide permission to ignore posted limits. Hazardous conditions can require slower travel still.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §§545.351, 545.353(c), (h-2) ↗
Temperatures are near freezing. Which part of your route deserves particular caution for early ice?
Correct answer: Bridges and overpasses
TxDOT warns that bridges and overpasses are the first roadway locations to freeze. Approach them more slowly even if nearby pavement appears clear.
Source: TxDOT General Topics Safety Campaign — winter weather tips ↗
You are about to drive across icy pavement. What should you do with cruise control?
Correct answer: Leave it off and control speed directly
TxDOT advises against cruise control on icy surfaces because it may contribute to a loss of control. Slow down and use gentle inputs.
Source: TxDOT General Topics Safety Campaign — winter weather tips ↗
Your car begins to skid on an icy road. Which response helps you regain control?
Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer toward where you want to go
Stay calm, keep both hands on the wheel, ease off the accelerator, and look and steer toward the intended path. Abrupt inputs can make a skid worse.
Source: TxDOT General Topics Safety Campaign — winter weather tips ↗
Compared with your normal following gap, what does TxDOT recommend for winter-weather driving?
Correct answer: At least three times the normal following distance
TxDOT recommends at least three times normal following distance in winter weather. Reduced traction increases the space needed to respond and stop.
Source: TxDOT General Topics Safety Campaign — winter weather tips ↗
Freezing conditions make your planned nonessential trip hazardous. What is the safest choice recommended by TxDOT?
Correct answer: Stay home if you do not need to travel
When travel is not necessary, staying home avoids the exposure to dangerous winter roads. Check current road conditions before any essential journey.
Source: TxDOT General Topics Safety Campaign — Know before you go ↗
Where should you look for the recommended cold tire pressure for your vehicle?
Correct answer: The vehicle placard or owner’s manual
Use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation on the tire-information placard or in the owner’s manual, not the tire’s maximum sidewall pressure.
Source: NHTSA TireWise — Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure, step 1 ↗
For a cold tire-pressure measurement, NHTSA recommends checking after the car has not been driven for at least how long?
Correct answer: Three hours
NHTSA defines cold for this pressure check as not driven for at least three hours. Driving warms tires and changes their measured pressure.
Source: NHTSA TireWise — Tire Pressure ↗
A steady low-tire-pressure warning appears while you drive. What should you do?
Correct answer: Inspect the tires and check their pressure promptly
The warning can mean at least one tire is significantly underinflated. Visual appearance alone is unreliable; check safely and correct pressure using the vehicle specification.
Source: NHTSA TireWise — What does it mean if the TPMS symbol illuminates? ↗
Your tire tread is level with the built-in treadwear indicators. What does that tell you?
Correct answer: The tires need replacement
Treadwear indicators show when usable tread is worn down. NHTSA advises replacing tires at that point; poor tread reduces grip, especially on wet roads.
Source: NHTSA TireWise — Tire Tread ↗
Your car has a tire-pressure monitoring system and no warning is showing. Should you still check pressure regularly?
Correct answer: Yes; the warning is not a substitute for monthly checks
TPMS generally warns at significant underinflation. NHTSA still recommends monthly gauge checks, including the spare, to maintain proper pressure.
Source: NHTSA TireWise — Tire Pressure; Is TPMS a substitute for regular maintenance? ↗
A tire suddenly blows out at road speed. What is the safest initial response?
Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and avoid abrupt braking or steering
Keep the vehicle balanced and controllable. NHTSA advises holding the wheel, avoiding abrupt inputs, gradually easing off the accelerator, then slowing and pulling off safely after stabilizing.
Source: NHTSA TireWise — What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving? ↗
Your car has functioning anti-lock brakes. During an emergency stop, how should you use the brake pedal?
Correct answer: Maintain firm, continuous pressure
For functioning ABS, maintain firm continuous pedal pressure rather than pumping. Normal pulsation can occur as the system works. Know your vehicle’s braking system before an emergency.
Source: PennDOT Emergency Driving Tactics — Braking Suddenly (general vehicle-control guidance) ↗
The accelerator stays stuck and the car continues gaining speed. Which action removes engine power from the wheels?
Correct answer: Shift to neutral and use the brakes while steering safely
With a stuck accelerator, neutral removes engine drive from the wheels even if the engine races. Brake and steer to a safe stop; do not reach down or lock the steering.
Source: PennDOT Emergency Driving Tactics — If Your Accelerator Sticks (general vehicle-control guidance) ↗
You have managed to stop safely after a serious brake failure. What should you do next?
Correct answer: Call for help rather than continue driving
After a brake failure, do not try to continue driving. Arrange assistance and have the fault addressed rather than risk losing braking again.
Source: PennDOT Emergency Driving Tactics — If Your Vehicle Has Brake Failure (general vehicle-control guidance) ↗
Why must you avoid turning an ignition key to LOCK while the vehicle is still moving?
Correct answer: It can lock the steering and prevent directional control
The LOCK position can lock the steering mechanism. Emergency guidance distinguishes switching an engine off as a last resort from engaging the steering lock while moving.
Source: PennDOT Emergency Driving Tactics — brake failure and stuck accelerator cautions (general guidance) ↗
You are not on official business. How far back must you stay from a fire truck responding to a fire alarm?
Correct answer: At least 500 feet
Texas prohibits following a fire apparatus responding to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet unless on official business. Do not use its cleared path to rush through traffic.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.407(a) ↗
An unprotected fire hose is stretched across a street for use at a fire. May you drive over it?
Correct answer: Only with consent from the fire official in command
You may not drive over an unprotected fire hose intended for use at a fire or alarm without consent from the fire department official in command.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.408 ↗
Boxes loaded beside the driver block the view to the right. What should happen before driving?
Correct answer: Rearrange the load so the driver’s view and controls are clear
A vehicle may not be driven with its load obstructing the driver’s front or side view or interfering with the driving controls. Correct the obstruction before moving.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.417(a) ↗
During the day, bad weather prevents you from clearly seeing a person or vehicle 1,000 feet ahead. What does Texas require?
Correct answer: Display the required vehicle lights
Required lights must be displayed at nighttime and when poor light or atmospheric conditions prevent clear recognition of a person or vehicle 1,000 feet ahead.
Source: Texas Transportation Code §547.302(a) ↗
Before a trip through a busy city, what planning habit can reduce pressure to drive aggressively?
Correct answer: Allow extra time for delays and congestion
Plan the journey and allow for congestion, construction or breakdowns. A time buffer reduces the pressure that can contribute to anger and risky decisions.
Source: DPS DL-7 Chapter 14 — Tips to Avoid Road Rage, point 1 (indexed official excerpt) ↗
On a long, monotonous drive, which visual habit helps avoid zoning out?
Correct answer: Scan near and far, to the sides, and check mirrors
The DPS handbook recommends shifting attention among relevant near and distant objects, signs and mirrors. Staring at one spot can reduce awareness during a monotonous drive.
Source: DPS DL-7 Chapter 9 — Fight Highway Hypnosis, point 3 (indexed official excerpt) ↗
During a long highway trip, which habit helps counter monotony and declining alertness?
Correct answer: Take regular safe stops and get out to stretch
The DPS handbook recommends frequent stops and walking around to relax muscles. Do not wait for severe drowsiness or loss of lane control before taking a break.
Source: DPS DL-7 Chapter 9 — Fight Highway Hypnosis, point 1 (indexed official excerpt) ↗
